Our classic canal cruise between Sweden's two biggest cities is where you will experience a voyage on board one of the historic ships of Göta kanal. Travelling in the same manner as it has been done for more than 140 years, forces you to leave your everyday life behind.

This is a pleasurable trip where the journey is more important than the destination. Every now and then we make shore excursions of historical or cultural interest to places along this beautiful canal. Naturally, it is your choice if you prefer a guided tour ashore during our stops, or if you'd rather enjoy a relaxing drink on the bridge deck.

NOTE: This cruise can be done in reverse and therefore there are more dates available which run off the back of the listed voyages. Please note all meals included - three breakfasts, four two-course lunches and three three-course dinners.

Details

Transportation

Three handsome, historical ships is designed to fit the most narrow lock on the canal like a hand in a glove. Built in 1874, Juno is the oldest ship still in regular service. The Wilhelm Tham was built in 1912 and our youngest ship, Diana, in 1931.

They have been carefully refurbished and preserved to reflect the times when they were built.

There are three cabin classes, one on each of the ship's decks - the bridge, shelter and main decks. Most of the cosy, small cabins are fitted with bunk beds and a washbasin. There are shared WCs and showers on each deck - please consult the deck plan when you speak to us to arrange for a cabin that suits your needs - either close to the facilities or at a distance. Meals are enjoyed in the mahogany and brass decorated dining room. The salon is a place for socialising, conversing or reading one of the books in our small ship's library.

Minimum Age is 7 years old and children need to have their own bed.

Included

3 x breakfasts, 4 x two-course lunches and 3 x three-course lunches

Four days and three nights on board, including one night at quayside

The impressive lock staircase in Trollhättan with a total drop of 32 metres and the Canal Museum

Sweden’s smallest ferry, ”Lina”, in Töreboda

Forsvik with the oldest lock in the canal, built in 1813

Karlsborg Fortress, offering a journey through time and space

Motala, the capital of the Gota Canal, although the motor museum tour will no longer be included due to time restrictions

Itinerary

Embark at 9am and have the morning cruising the canal. Just after lunch is the first lock, Lilla Edet, followed by Trollhättan Locks. In late afternoon, we enter the Lake Vånern, 44 metres above sea level, Sweden’s largest lake and the third largest lake in Europe, after the Ladoga and Onega lakes in Russia.

Our ship passes Läckö Castle, which was built in 1298 as a bishop’s residence. Its golden age was during the reign of Magnus Gabriel de la Gardie, who transformed it into a baroque castle in 1652. You will be needing a late glass of wine on the deck for this castle as we pass by around 11pm, remembering that there are long summer nights.

Meals

1 Lunch1 Dinner

Accommodation

Historic cruise boat

Restaurants

Koka

Gunnebo House

Day 2 - Cruise from Sjötorp to Motala

As you enjoy your cabin, we enter the first of the 58 narrow locks on the Göta Canal. At dawn, we pass a lock system consisting of four locks in beautiful surroundings. In 1822 the western section of the Göta Canal was inaugurated at Hajstorp. For "early birds" walking is possible from Godhögen to Riksberg, app. 1 km.

Throughout the morning, we pass historical monuments and fabulous scenery before entering the beautiful Lake Viken (91.8 metres above sea level) which serves as a water reservoir for the western section of the Göta Canal.

At around 4pm, we visit Karlsborg Fortress, initiated by Baltzar von Platen and built 1819-1909. The guided tour is a journey through time and space, full of surprises and special effects.

At 9pm this evening, arrive at Motala. It was Baltzar von Platen who drew up the plans for Motala, and today it is called "the Capital of the Göta Canal". In 1822 an engineering works, Motala Werkstad, was established here to serve the Göta Canal and is today considered to be the cradle of Swedish industry. Here you also find the head office of the Gota Canal Company, responsible for operation and maintenance. You can also walk to see Baltzar von Platen’s grave, about 1 km along the left side of the canal. Overnight stop.

Meals

1 Breakfast1 Lunch1 Dinner

Accommodation

Historic cruise boat

Day 3 - The day of locks and icecream, then travel into the Baltic Sea

Today is a leisurely day spent enjoying the rhythm of the ship as it passes many locks. In the afternoon, we stop alongside the idyllic town Söderköping which was founded in the early 1200s and was very important during the Hanseatic period. The town also has a long and interesting history as a spa. Söderköping is yours to explore on your own. Don’t forget to try the famous ice cream!

Late in the evening, we leave the Göta canal and travel into the Baltic Sea.

Meals

1 Breakfast1 Lunch1 Dinner

Accommodation

Historic cruise boat

Day 4 - The enchanting waterways and archipelago of islands

In the early morning light, we weave through the archipelago as we head towards Stockholm. Our first stop is the Viking community of Birka on the island of Björkö, often referred to as Sweden's first town. The town was then an important harbour for international shipping and trade. It was in use for about 250 years and was abandoned before the year 1000. Birka features on UNESCO’S World Heritage list. The tour guide will show us around on the island (app. 3 km, uneven terrain). We also visit the museum.

If time allows, we will pass the Drottningholm Castle, home of the Royal family since 1981 and found on the World Heritage list.

Our cruise ends at Skeppsbrokajen 103, in the Old Town of Stockholm around 4pm.

Important Information

The cabins are elegant but small. The cabins are fitted with bunk beds and are about the same size as a sleeping compartment on a train. As the berths vary in length, we ask that you tell us ahead of time if you are above medium height. The cabins are fitted with a washbasin with hot and cold water. There are showers on all decks, and toilets on all. Please consult the deck plan to arrange for a cabin that suit your needs - either close to the facilities or at a distance.

None of the cabins have private facilities. There is one cabin with a Queen bed - please check with us to see if this is available.

This trip can be done as a 6 day journey, following the same route, however, the ships stay docked throughout the evening.

This trip links well with the Stockholm to Gothenburg or reverse self drive itinerary.

General Information Göta Canal Voyages

Göta Canal Voyage Information:

The key to enjoying a Göta Canal voyage is so slow down & relax. The pace may be something new for modern people, but it is basically a classic way to travel and socialize.

You feel it at once as you walk the gangplank - whether you're boarding the M/S Juno, Diana or Wilhelm Tham, you've entered history. The standard may be a bit old-fashioned, but still nostalgically luxurious.

Boarding your ship:

Boarding takes place at the earliest one hour and no later than 30 minutes before departure. A Swedish tour guide welcomes you at the gangway, after which the crew will help you with your luggage and show you to your cabin. Enjoy a coffee or tea in the dining room when you ready.

Tour guide on board:

Daily information meetings are held in three languages (Swedish, English and German). The tour guide tells you what is going to happen during the day, describes the history of the canal and the local sites, and also provides practical information. The tour guide will be available throughout the cruise and even leads some of the trips ashore.

Common Areas onboard your Göta Canal ship:

On the shelter deck you will find the dining room and the lounge. As the experience is all about a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, there is neither radio nor TV on board.

We also recommend that you don't use your mobile phone on board – there are plenty of opportunities for that when the ship lands. On the bridge deck you will find comfortable chairs for relaxing and warm blankets to huddle up in on chilly evenings. Here you will also find a bar to enjoy.

The Cabins:

The cabins are small and charming. With the exception of a few cabins, they are fitted with bunk beds and are about the size of a sleeping compartment on a train. For reasons of space, we recommend that you only bring a medium-sized bag to push under the berth. Large suitcases can be stored in a luggage room on board. As the berths vary in length, please tell us ahead of time if you are above average height (approx. 175 cm).

All cabins are fitted with a washbasin with hot and cold water. The water is drinkable. There are showers on all decks (except for shelter deck on M/S Diana), and toilets on all. The ships all use 220 V and there are outlets in all cabins.

Library & Souvenir shop

In the ship's lounge you find a varied library that contains varied non-fiction in Swedish, English and German, including material on the canal, its history and its surroundings. There is also an onboard souvenir shop with books, postcards and souvenirs.

Paying on board for drinks & purchases

Mealtime drinks, purchases from the souvenir shop and bar expenses are put on your cabin number. The bill is then cleared on the last day either in cash (SEK) or using the most common credit cards (VISA, American Express, EuroCard and Master Card).

Meals on board your Göta Canal cruise:

As soon as possible after boarding, please visit the dining room to have some tea or coffee.

The meals are an important part of the journey. Each day, enjoy a fixed menu for lunch and dinner, two courses for lunch and three for dinner. A breakfast buffet is served every morning, except on the first day of the cruise. Alcohol is not included with your voyage but is available from the bar or with meals.

Extra activities during your Göta Canal voyage:

The old towpaths alongside the Göta Canal offer many wonderful opportunities for walking or running. You can also borrow one of the ship’s two bicycles for explorations along the waterway.

What to pack for your voyage:

Daytime wear should be comfortable, since much of the time is spent outdoors. You should bring something warm and a windproof jacket, but also your summer wardrobe. We recommend walking shoes for the excursions. Tradition has it that the guests change to something a bit more elegant for dinner, but going as far as a dark suit is not essential – smart casual is enough.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. Please ensure that you have this organised as we will need to see proof of this upon issuing your tour documentation. Please contact us for a quote or visit http://www.suresave.net.au/

Newsletter

About 50 Degrees North

50 Degrees North is a niche, independently owned, specialist travel company that aims to give you a little more than just a holiday. We specialise regionally, as we believe it is not possible to be good at everything. We also focus on offering the most enriching style of travel.